HomeBaby Names DirectoryWyatt

Wyatt

♂ Boy

Pronounced WY-ut /ˈwaɪət/High

Meaning: Brave in war; hardy — from Old English Wigheard (wig: war + heard: brave, hardy)High

In 30 seconds: A rugged Old English surname-name meaning 'brave in war.' Made iconic by lawman Wyatt Earp, it has become one of the top boys' names in the American West-inspired naming trend.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningBrave in war; hardy — from Old English Wigheard (wig: war + heard: brave, hardy)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 147,397

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Wyatt comes from the Old English given name Wigheard, composed of wig (war) and heard (brave, hardy, strong). This became the medieval surname Wyatt or Wiatt in England. The poet Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503–1542), credited with bringing the sonnet form to England, was one of its most distinguished early bearers.

As a first name, Wyatt began rising in the U.S. in the late 20th century, part of a broader revival of frontier and cowboy-era surname names. It entered the top 100 by the early 2000s and has climbed into the top 20, appealing to parents who want a strong, masculine name with Western Americana flair.

Did you know? Wyatt Earp (1848–1929), the frontier marshal famous for the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, made this name synonymous with American frontier toughness and has anchored its appeal ever since.

Variations

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

  • Wyatt Earp (1848–1929)
    American lawman and gambler, famous for the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.

If you like Wyatt…

Waylon— fellow Western-tinged surname name with the same rugged American feel
Tucker— casual, warm occupational surname with the same American frontier energy
Hudson— strong Old English surname-name enjoying the same popularity surge

Frequently Asked

What does the name Wyatt mean?

Wyatt is an Old English surname-name meaning 'brave in war,' from wig (war) and heard (brave, hardy).

How do you pronounce Wyatt?

It's said WY-ut /ˈwaɪət/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Wyatt a boy or girl name?

Wyatt is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Wyatt?

Wyatt has ranked in the U.S. top 20 boys' names in recent years, riding a wave of Western-themed name popularity.